Page 10 - Silver Linings Issue1

A FIRST IMPRESSION THAT LASTS Our new Admissions Center provides a bright, warm and welcoming space
It makes a big statement.
That’s how long-time Silver Hill Hospital board member and volunteer Deann Murphy describes the new Sigurd Ackerman, MD Center for Evaluation and Admissions that
was funded by
contributions
from generous
donors to Silver
Hill’s recent
Helping Patients
and Families
Campaign.
The Admissions Center is Silver Hill’s only chance to make a first impression.
It must be
comforting
and calming
as patients
and families
come here at a
stressful, frightening and vulnerable time. Thanks to your generosity,
the Ackerman Center accomplishes this with its modern design, ease of navigation, and multiple private waiting and evaluation rooms. The previous admissions building, known as Grey House and built in 1942, was outdated, cramped, and offered little privacy.
The Grey House, which had served a variety of purposes after being built in 1941 by the Silver Hill Foundation, was razed in 2017 and the new
The state-of-the-art call center at the Sigurd Ackerman, MD Center for Evaluation and Admissions.
Center arose in its place. The Helping Patients and Families Campaign raised more than $3 million toward the building of the Center.
Plaques throughout the building recognize generous donors who
Deann said volunteering at the Admissions Center was one of
the most important and impactful things she has done since being involved with Silver Hill. She recalls many difficult moments at Grey House as patients — from teens to
Silver Hill staff in the waiting and evaluation room area of the new Admissions Center.
made contributions to make the new Admissions Center a reality.
senior citizens — and their families shared the same waiting room and endured longer admission times. When a patient had difficulty during the admission process it happened in front of other patients and families, further raising tensions during an already emotional time. The lack of privacy also made
families reluctant to ask important questions, Deann recalls.
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